Sermons on Serving God (Page 2)

Sermons on Serving God (Page 2)

Paul’s First Trial

Acts 23:1-35 Background Recap: Paul completes his 3rd missionary journey, heading to Jerusalem despite warnings of danger. At the Temple, he testifies until he mentions “Gentiles,” which incites the crowd. Roman commander Claudius intervenes, rescues Paul, and prevents his scourging after learning of his Roman citizenship. Sanhedrin Trial (Acts 23:1-5): Paul begins by declaring he has lived in good conscience, referring to life after his conversion. His bold statement prompts Ananias, the high priest, to order him struck. Paul rebukes…

Paul in Jerusalem

Acts 21:24-40 Paul arrives in Jerusalem and helps four Jewish men complete their Nazirite vows to show he respects Jewish customs. This act is costly, costing Paul about €4560. Despite his efforts, Jews from Asia falsely accuse Paul of bringing Gentiles into the temple, inciting a violent mob. The mob seizes Paul, drags him from the temple, and shuts the doors. The temple leadership rejects the truth Paul brings. Roman soldiers from the nearby Antonia Fortress intervene just in time…

To Go or Not To Go

Acts 21:1-16 describes the end of Paul’s third missionary journey as he heads toward Jerusalem, fully aware he will be arrested. In Acts 20:22–24, Paul states he is “bound in the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem and is willing to face imprisonment or death to fulfill his ministry. As Paul travels, he stops in various cities where believers, through the Holy Spirit, warn him not to go to Jerusalem. This creates an apparent tension: the Spirit both compels Paul to…

Paul’s farewell to the Ephesians

Acts 20:17-38 Paul, on a determined journey to Jerusalem, urgently gathers the Ephesian church leaders to deliver a heartfelt final message. He recounts his ministry in Ephesus: Served with humility. Endured suffering with tears and trials. Preached and taught faithfully in public and private settings. Urged repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes he is “bound in the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem, despite knowing suffering awaits him. His mission and calling outweigh personal safety. He models ultimate dedication…

Paul’s Ministry in Ephesus

Acts 19:21-20-16 Paul’s Work in Ephesus:Paul’s third missionary journey brings him back to Ephesus—a place where his ministry had a huge impact. So many people became believers that it started messing with the local economy, especially businesses tied to idol worship. The Riot Starts:A silversmith named Demetrius, who made little statues of the goddess Diana (aka Artemis), gets upset because people aren’t buying idols anymore. He gathers others in the trade and stirs up a massive riot. The whole city…

Apollos

Paul, while in Corinth, initially expected trouble due to past experiences with riots and persecution when preaching the Gospel. However, God reassured him in a vision that he would not be attacked in Corinth, allowing him to remain and build the church for 1.5 years. He later left Corinth with Priscilla and Aquila, stopped at Centria (where he took a vow and cut his hair), and traveled to Ephesus. In Ephesus, Paul started a light ministry but declined to stay…

Paul in Corinth

Acts 18:1-17 In Corinth, Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish tentmakers who had been expelled from Rome. They become close friends and ministry partners. Paul follows his usual ministry pattern: preaches in the synagogue every Sabbath, persuading both Jews and Greeks. When his co-workers Silas and Timothy arrive, Paul is reinvigorated and preaches more boldly, declaring Jesus as the Christ. Some Jews resist and blaspheme. Paul, frustrated, declares he will now focus on preaching to Gentiles. A key lesson: We…

To the Unknown God

While waiting for Timothy and Silas, Paul explores Athens, a highly educated and idol-filled city. He is deeply troubled by the widespread idolatry. Paul reasons with Jews, Gentile worshippers, and philosophers in the synagogue and marketplace daily. Epicurean and Stoic philosophers debate him, some mocking him as a “babbler,” while others are curious about his teachings on Jesus and the resurrection. Paul is invited to the Areopagus (Mars Hill) to explain his “new doctrine.” He uses their altar “To the…

Paul in Thessalonica and Berea

The message follows Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke during Paul’s second missionary journey, focusing on two cities: Thessalonica and Berea. In Thessalonica, Paul teaches in the synagogue for at least three Sabbaths, explaining from the Old Testament that Jesus had to suffer, die, and rise again. Some Jews, many devout Greeks, and several prominent women believed and joined Paul and Silas, causing jealousy among the synagogue leaders who lost influence and financial support. Opponents hired troublemakers to incite a mob,…

Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

Paul embarked on his second missionary journey and went to Derbe and Lydtra. He met Timothy, who was part Jewish and part Greek, and well spoken of. Paul took Timothy on he’s team, and circumcised him. They travelled to the churches in the region and delivered the decrees from the Church at Jerusalem The Holy Sprit forbade them from going to Asia. Then they were forbidden to go to Bithinia. Then Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia,…
en_USEnglish